9. Develop your public speaking skills. Join a Toastmasters group and participate actively for two years.

8. There is no substitute for integrity.

7. Have friends who challenge you to be a better person.

6. If you know someone who wrote a book, read it. The biggest compliment you can give an author is to read what they wrote.

5. Helping others always comes back to benefit you.

4. Find a good lawyer, accountant and banker before you need them.

3. Learn to cook.

2. Opportunities exist. You just have to look for them.

AND THE NUMBER ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED:

#1 - Those who have achieved REAL success in life (financially, emotionally and spiritually) will never criticize your dreams and aspirations. Instead they will look for ways to share their own experiences to help lift you up to higher levels. Successful people are rarely jealous and welcome the achievements of others.

Thanks to everyone who sent emails, left comments, called, etc... to wish me a happy 40th Birthday. They had spice cake cupcakes at the office today along with a goofy hat that announced I was not "Over the Hill". I especially want to say thank you to all the people who posted the list of "41 things" on their blogs, or emailed the link to their lists. I have got some great feedback from this list. Thanks. thom

I do not think they are contradictory. But I understand your point. It is a fine line. You definitely are a "brand", but the car you drive does not really define that brand (I guess it can be part of it to some folks, but I hope we all go deeper).

And while you want to project a positive image into your community... you cannot worry too much about what others think (especially the jerks and nay-sayers) or you will become frozen and not act. It is not that the points cancel each other out... it is more about embracing the best parts of each point and keeping them in balance!

Awesome! I just disagree slightly with #23. You should save early but not with a 401K, in my opinion. Your savings should be in a something with real tangible value that cannot be inflated away by irresponsible government and central banks. Gold and silver come to mind.

Thom Singer - Professional Speaker and Author's Fan Box

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Thom's Quote

"We often seal in stone our opinions of others far too quickly. In this superficial society we can hardly know the whole person by a causal encounter. We have to invest in people to really know them. Give people a chance (and often a second chance) and you will have sweeter relationships and countless opportunities." - Thom Singer